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My Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp vs. an upgrade to the Ayre EX-8 Integrated amplifier

I am considering replacing my 15+ year old Ayre AX-7e amp with the Ayre EX-8 amp. Based on my research, so far, the EX-8 looks very interesting but I am VERY concerned about how HOT it gets. How hot is the Ayre EX-8 amplifier after being on for several hours? I plan on placing the amplifier inside my Salamander Designs Wooden Cabinet (front door closed, back and sides are open) My Ayre AX-7e amp gets warm but is never a problem.

Another owner reports "his EX-8 is noticeably hotter than the AX-7e”. I am very concerned since the unit will be located in my Salamander Designs Wooden Cabinet. And, since he reports, "his EX-8 is as hot as his BAT tube amp", I now have a major concern with the EX-8.

This is a 2-channel home theater system only. My LG OLED TV connects (DH Labs Glass Master Toslink Cable) to my Bricasti M3 DAC to my Aye AX-7e amp to my QUAD 12L2 Classic Signature Bookshelf Speakers. I have another main audio system for CD’s, streaming, etc. In May 2019, Ayre Acoustics ’tested’ my AX-7e amp a number of times with every parameter of its performance and specs. It worked and sounded fine. They did adjust the bias and zeroed out the DC.

I am open to other integrated amplifier suggestions with a budget of $5,000 to $6,000. I prefer a balanced amplifier (XLR inputs). I demoed the Parasound HINT 6 Integrated amplifier, in my home system, and the Ayre AX-7e sounded MUCH, MUCH better. The only reason I am looking is because my Ayre AX-7e is 15+ years old and I am concerned about its age. Should I be concerned (maybe not)? AND, maybe, a newer amplifier might sound better (?).

COVID-19 has closed the audio stores in the Bay Area so visiting them is not possible. I also emailed Ayre Customer Service and asked them about how hot the EX-8 gets and if it would be okay inside the Salamander cabinet. Thanks.

hgeifman
gdnrbob
4,459 posts
 
Ayre still answers the phone. I just talked to Gary two days ago.
My Ayre Codex get pretty hot (and it is on 24/7) and I haven’t had issues with it in my cabinet.- It has 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides plus it is secured in a wooden cradle.
Bob
beetlemania
839 posts
 
I owned an AX-7e for nearly 15 years. I wouldn’t be concerned about its age, should be good for years to come. I moved up to an AX-5 Twenty. I briefly heard an EX-8 about a year ago. It sounded great although I can’t compare to the AX-7 given the differences in room, speakers and source. 
Not sure about the heat issue but Ayre should be able to help you decide if your cabinet might result in overheating.
hgeifman OP
2,274 posts
 
All,  Thanks for the information.  As noted above, I also emailed Ayre Customer Service (Gary) and asked them about how hot the EX-8 gets and if it would be okay inside the Salamander cabinet. Thanks again..
joey54
434 posts
 
I had the EX-8 on an extended loan in my system for three weeks and it never got any hotter than my Ayre Codex. I had the amp inside my Salamander SYNERGY MODEL 323 Rack which has sides and doors. The unit was on the entire time.

It sounded much better than my AX-7e and Codex DAC. I was about to pull the trigger to buy it when I heard the Aesthetix Mimas integrated and I bought the Mimas instead.

BTW, I still have my AX-7e which is being used in a second system. Still a great sounding amplifier.

Good Luck! 


stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,484 posts
 
I thought I heard a troll from my Vandersteen speakers and guessed it was from my Ayre V1...many years old.  Gary at Ayre heard nothing untoward, but replaced this, that, and those, and it now sounds even better.  Even though, it's old, it performs as well as those, in the top tier  of modern amps
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